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ST. LOUIS, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Introducing Vodkade, a new player in the adult beverage market that’s taking the scene by storm. This innovative product is a hand-crafted, canned vodka cocktail specially designed for those who thrive on fun—an ideal choice for anyone who plays to win.

Vodkade combines high-quality vodka with natural fruit flavors to create a refreshing beverage that stands out from the crowd. With its unique recipe conceived to evoke the experience of a sports drink—but with an adult twist—Vodkade offers a smooth taste that energizes your social interactions and competitive spirit.

Available in four delicious flavors—Fruit Punch, Lemon-Lime, Orange, and Berry Cherry—each serving of Vodkade brings nostalgia with a modern kick. It’s packaged conveniently in both four-packs and the larger Victory Pack, which features two cans of each flavor.

Currently distributed across Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa, Vodkade can be found in liquor stores and major retailers, with plans for expansion throughout the United States in the summer of 2025. Multiple distribution partners are involved, including Grey Eagle Distributors and Krey Distributing Company.

For more details, visit www.vodkade.com, and follow them on Instagram at @Vodkade_cocktails or Facebook at @Vodkade.

About Vodkade:Vodkade represents a blend of bold flavors and invigorating refreshment now available in the Midwest. It’s crafted uniquely for individuals who seek excitement and playfulness in their beverages. More information can be found at www.vodkade.com and encourages consumers to enjoy responsibly.

A major accident occurred early Wednesday morning, causing the closure of northbound I-25 in the Colorado City area. The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) reported that the incident took place just after 4 a.m. near Thacker Road, with traffic being diverted accordingly.

Motorists are advised to use alternate routes and expect delays, as the closure is expected to last most of the day. While the driver was taken to the hospital, details regarding their injuries remain unclear. The collision involved a semi-truck carrying vodka.

For live updates on highway closures, the Colorado Department of Transportation offers a resource here.

A Colorado whiskey has been recognized as America’s best at an international spirits competition. Talnua Distillery, based in Arvada, won the prestigious title of America’s Greatest Whiskey 2025 for its Bourbon Cask & Stave Series Whiskey at the American Distilling Institute’s annual contest.

The contest featured 290 whiskeys among a total of 700 spirits from various countries. Judges rated the entries based on quality and taste, giving each one a score out of 100. Gold medals are awarded for scores of 90 or higher, with double golds for outstanding examples of specific styles. The distillery’s use of pot still methods, similar to those used in Irish whiskey production, sets it apart. This approach, combining malted and unmalted barley, contributes to the whiskey’s distinct flavor profile.

Talnua’s award-winning bourbon is aged in former bourbon barrels infused with charred oak staves, which enhance its complexity with notes of floral aromas, fresh hay, and vanilla. Patrick Miller, Talnua’s founder and master distiller, expressed pride in the achievement, highlighting the significance of recognition among esteemed peers in the industry.

In addition to the first-place win, Talnua also obtained a gold medal for its American White Oak Cask Bottled in Bond whiskey and a silver for the Old Saint’s Keep whiskey released in 2025. Other Colorado distillers also brought home awards, including Stranahan’s in Denver, which garnered five medals.

For more information on Talnua Distillery, visit their official website, and details about the competition can be found at the American Distilling Institute.

Each year, the American Distilling Institute (ADI) hosts the International Spirits Competition, which showcases the best in craft spirits from American and international distilleries. In 2025, the competition honored several whiskeys, with notable winners in various categories.

America’s Best Whiskey

Talnua Bourbon Cask & Stave Series Whiskey was chosen as the best whiskey. Located in Arvada, Colorado, Talnua is the first distillery in the U.S. that exclusively focuses on single pot still whiskey. This distillery was founded in 2017 by Patrick and Meagan Miller, who were inspired by their experiences in Ireland. The whiskey is produced using a mix of malted and unmalted barley, and it is aged for a minimum of three years in ex-bourbon casks.

The tasting notes reveal a nose filled with fresh marshmallows, charred oak, cereal, caramel, and a sweet hint reminiscent of bubble gum. On the palate, it delivers understated flavors of cooked grain, marshmallow, and caramel, culminating in a medium-length finish marked by seasoned oak and subtle vanilla.

Best Barrel Strength Whiskey

Knobel Spirits, Tennessee Whiskey took home the award for best barrel strength whiskey. This whiskey is meticulously crafted using the Lincoln County Process, in which the spirit is filtered through maple wood charcoal before undergoing aging in charred American oak barrels. The result is an exceptionally sweet and rich nose, showcasing caramel and orange zest, while the palate offers delightful notes of baked apple and sweet spices.

Best of Category Winners: American Single Malt Whiskey

Stranahan’s Mountain Angel 10-Year-Old was recognized in this category. Stranahan’s, based in Colorado, has made a name for itself as a pioneer in American single malt whiskey. Its Mountain Angel expression features a mash bill of 100% malted barley and is aged in new American oak barrels. It boasts a complex nose of fruit liqueurs and pipe smoke, leading to a rich palate filled with brown sugar and maple flavors, finishing with savory notes of dried fruit.

Additional Best of Category Winners

Other notable distillers included Bird Creek Distillery with their Cask Strength Baronesse, which uses a rare heirloom barley to provide a creamy, sweet profile, and Proof and Wood’s Seasons 2024 Extraordinary, which blends aged spirits from Canada and the U.S. for a balanced taste experience.

The significance of the ADI International Spirits Competition lies in its commitment to highlighting lesser-known brands that often craft exceptional spirits. Many of these whiskeys may not yet be widely available but represent the future stars of American whiskey.

For Americans feeling apprehensive about flying, particularly following alarming news about airline safety incidents, United Airlines has rolled out a unique reassurance campaign featuring “Captain Morgan.” This is not a reference to the popular rum but instead a message from Captain Miles Morgan, the director of United’s flight training center.

In light of numerous flight delays attributed to recent system outages at Newark Liberty Airport, United’s CEO, Scott Kirby, sent an email to travelers and MileagePlus members living near the airport. The correspondence aimed to calm the nerves of passengers and directed them to a video in which Captain Morgan highlighted the rigorous training United’s pilots undergo and the sophisticated systems on board that ensure visibility of other aircraft.

Kirby emphasized, “The truth is that all the flights in and out of EWR are absolutely safe. When there are FAA issues, such as technology outages or staffing shortages, the FAA requires all airlines to fly fewer aircraft to maintain the highest levels of safety.” He reassured that neither the FAA nor United would ever compromise on safety standards.

Despite the intention behind the message, social media reacted with humor, poking fun at Captain Morgan’s name. One X user quipped about the irony, questioning if passengers should feel secure under the care of “Captain Morgan.” Another joked about a possible collaboration with First Officer Jonathan Daniels.

This outreach initiative followed a 45-minute ground stop due to a temporary failure of a back-up air traffic control system, compounded by previous telecommunications issues and ongoing staffing shortages at the Newark air traffic control facility. The email and video were sent as United sought to reassure travelers amid these challenges.

NatureScot has announced results from a study exploring Rum residents’ views on the sale of Kinloch Castle. Conducted by the Scottish Government’s Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services (RESAS), the research indicates that most island inhabitants support the idea of selling the castle for redevelopment and reintegration into community life.

The report highlights that the community believes the castle’s sale and subsequent redevelopment could positively benefit the residents of Rum. Acting cabinet secretary for net zero, Gillian Martin, acknowledged the contributions of participants to the study, stating the findings would help guide the future of the castle.

Martin expressed the mixed feelings surrounding the decision, noting that it may be disappointing for some community members but emphasized that this route was deemed the most reasonable. Chris Donald, head of operations for Central Highland at NatureScot, reiterated the importance of a proposed buyer’s long-term commitment to the Rum community and adherence to the Scottish Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement.

NatureScot plans to collaborate with the Scottish Government to pursue potential buyers for Kinloch Castle, aiming for transparency and ongoing communication with the local residents as they identify the best path forward for the site.

The journey of Vida Caña, an award-winning craft rum brand, began uniquely on a beach through the friendship of entrepreneurs Bryan Tierce and Jonathan Fuller. After successfully selling their transportation logistics company, the pair sought to embark on a new venture that aligned with their passion for rum, cultivated during their travels across Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Initially, Tierce was hesitant to return to the spirits industry due to its notorious challenges. However, he shared aspirations of building a brand he believed in, one that would embody both fun and fulfillment. The duo spent five years immersing themselves in rum education, attending Moonshine University and The Rum University, forging relationships with global producers, and opting not to create their own distillery. This strategic decision allowed them to explore blending and finishing techniques without the constraints of distillation.

Officially launched in late 2019, Vida Caña faced the challenge of the pandemic shortly thereafter. Instead of rushing into the market, they refined their processes and focused on organic growth. Their offerings include a diverse range of rums sourced from various regions, designed for both mixing and sipping. Each rum has a distinct profile, complemented by thoughtfully color-coded labels encouraging imaginative drinking experiences throughout the day.

Among Vida Caña’s standout products is their Single Barrel Finishing Series, which began serendipitously with a friend’s bourbon barrel. The initial release sold out instantly, igniting interest from retailers for repeated editions. As demand grew, the program expanded, collaborating with various craft distilleries to produce limited co-branded releases, including an unexpected finish in a Don Julio tequila barrel, which delighted consumers with its unique flavor.

For 2024, Vida Caña introduced its Single Barrel releases at cask strength, enhancing the consumer experience with authentic, unfiltered flavors. Their efforts have been recognized, with the Panama 18-Year Rum finished in a bourbon barrel taking home the Best in Class title for Overproof Rum at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The mission behind Vida Caña transcends crafting exceptional rum. The founders self-finance every aspect of their operations and commit to donating a portion of proceeds to local nonprofits, evolving their venture from a passion project into one driven by purpose.

Currently operating under Aerodrome Distilling in Corpus Christi, Texas, they continue to focus on perfecting their craft while contemplating the future of a possible Vida Caña tasting room. Their rum can be found in Texas, Florida, and Utah, with shipping options available through their website. Bryan Tierce and Jonathan Fuller exemplify how chasing personal fulfillment can lead to impactful entrepreneurial endeavors in the spirits industry.

Unicorn, a Chicago-based online auction platform for wines and spirits founded in 2020, is gaining significant attention for transforming rare whiskey bottles into lucrative investments. The startup has facilitated the auction of over $125 million worth of alcoholic beverages since its inception, attracting a diverse clientele looking to buy, sell, or trade bottles ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end collectibles.

Phil Mikhaylov, the company’s CEO and co-founder, emphasized Unicorn’s unique approach to the spirits market. It caters to both seasoned collectors and novice buyers, providing opportunities to acquire high-value bottles alongside affordable finds. Each week, the platform hosts auctions where thousands of bottles are sold, often turning what may seem like dusty collections into profits measuring in the thousands or even tens of thousands.

Unicorn operates from a large, renovated warehouse in Ravenswood, previously a brewery, where it digitizes, authenticates, and stores auction-ready bottles. The facility features a high-security area, known as the vault, which houses tens of thousands of bottles. This allows the company to manage inventory effectively, with weekly sales generating between $1.2 million and $2 million.

The auction system operates with no set minimum bids and boasts a 100% sell-through rate on many items. Buyers pay a 15% buyer’s premium, and sellers incur a 5% fee. Currently, Unicorn has 75 employees and a second facility in Bridgeport for long-term storage.

The recent visit of Robert Drousth from Wisconsin exemplified the auction’s impact. Drousth, who collected whiskey for years, brought in a collection valued at up to $39,700, far surpassing his initial investment of $1,500. His experience illustrates how collectible spirits can appreciate significantly, sometimes yielding returns of over 2000%.

This rising interest in rare whiskey as an investment mirrors trends seen in other asset classes, with Unicorn serving as a bridge between traditional retail liquor experiences and high-stakes online auction environments. As the demand for rare bottles continues to grow, Unicorn stands poised to capitalize on this expanding market, making it an intriguing player in the world of collectibles.

For more information, you can visit Unicorn’s website.

Fuzzy Zoeller, a renowned golfer from Indiana, has ventured into the spirits industry with the creation of Fuzzy’s Vodka, made from high-quality Midwestern corn. A golfing legend with ten PGA wins, including the 1984 US Open and the 1979 Masters, Zoeller decided to pursue his passion for vodka when approached to endorse a wine label, famously stating, “I’m not a wine drinker; I’m a vodka drinker.”

Fuzzy’s Vodka stands out due to its rigorous distillation process, which involves five distillations and ten charcoal filtrations. Additionally, a portion of the vodka is aged in new American oak barrels, imparting a distinctive flavor. Launched in the U.S. market in 2010, Fuzzy’s Vodka has been well received by the spirits community.

The brand also offers unique cocktails such as the Fuzzy Wallbanger, a reimagined Harvey Wallbanger, and the Transfusion, which combines Concord grape juice, ginger ale, Fuzzy’s Vodka, and a lime squeeze.

Fuzzy’s Vodka reflects the spirit and joyful essence of its creator, catering not just to vodka connoisseurs but also to golf fans who appreciate the camaraderie and fun that accompanies the game.

Pope Leo XIV was elected during a conclave that garnered much attention, with live updates following the announcement of Cardinal Prevost as the first American pontiff. However, significant discussions also arose surrounding the implications of having a pope from the United States.

Meanwhile, questions were raised about whether May 8 should be recognized as a national holiday. In light of recent political discussions, former President Trump endorsed the idea, but questions remain about its practical realization.

In practical health advice, individuals are encouraged to explore pickling more than just cucumbers, with beets, peaches, okra, and watermelon highlighted as excellent choices for those interested in preserving summer produce.

In educational contexts, the mechanics and implications of school voucher systems have stirred curiosity. FAQs are being released to clarify how these vouchers function, where they are available, and the potential effects on students and their schools.

Starbase, Texas, has also become a point of fascination. Elon Musk’s new city project has raised eyebrows and speculation regarding its future and purpose in the broader landscape.

In the realm of personal health, an innovative individual began creating his own weight loss medication after insurance coverage fell short, showcasing resourcefulness amidst healthcare challenges.

A new trend has emerged in the coffee industry—brewing coffee alternatives using unconventional ingredients such as mushrooms and date pits. This shift raises questions about their viability and taste compared to traditional coffee.

The conclave process itself is under scrutiny, with the public eager to understand how the selection of the next pope occurs, including the dramatic moments like the black smoke signaling a decision.

Lastly, for those who might not possess a Real ID, guidance is being offered on how to navigate air travel and security protocols effectively in light of deadlines approaching.

For continuous news and insights, follow updates in these areas through Yahoo News.